Driving Cost from Des Moines, Iowa to Arvada, Colorado

A picture depicting a gas pump

Understanding the Cost of Driving from Des Moines, Iowa to Arvada, Colorado Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Des Moines, Iowa, to Arvada, Colorado? You’re in for an adventure filled with beautiful landscapes and plenty of exciting stops along the way! However, before you hit the road, it's essential to understand how much this journey will set you back. In this blog post, we’ll break down the costs associated with different routes and how gas prices affect your wallet.

Main Route: I-80 W and I-76 W

One of the most popular options is to take I-80 W and then transition to I-76 W. This route covers a distance of approximately 606 miles. If you drive straight through, the trip takes about 8 hours and 45 minutes. However, it's always a good idea to factor in rest stops along the way.

Cost Breakdown:

  • Gas Price: Assuming a national average gas price of $3.50 per gallon and a vehicle fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll use around 24.2 gallons of gas. This leads to a total gas cost of about $84.70 for the journey.
  • Toll Costs: Fortunately, this route doesn’t have any major tolls, so you can save a bit more here!

In summary, this main route costs about $84.70 in gas for a distance of 606 miles and a travel time of 8 hours and 45 minutes.

Scenic Route: US-34 W and I-76 W

Not in a rush? You might consider taking the scenic route via US-34 W. This road offers breathtaking views but comes with a few extra miles. The total distance for this route is approximately 630 miles. Allow for a travel time of about 9 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and how many stops you make to take it all in.

Cost Breakdown:

  • Gas Price: Based on the same average gas price of $3.50 per gallon and fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will need about 25.2 gallons of gas. Therefore, the total cost for gas would be approximately $88.80.
  • Toll Costs: Just like the main route, you won't face tolls on US-34 W, making your trip a bit easier on the budget.

Thus, opting for the scenic route costs around $88.80 in gas for a distance of 630 miles with a travel time of about 9 hours and 30 minutes.

Alternate Route: I-80 W, I-25 S, and US-287 S

If you're looking for a quicker route, consider I-80 W, I-25 S, and then US-287 S. This route is slightly shorter, covering about 592 miles. You'll find that this journey can be completed in approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes if you maintain a steady pace.

Cost Breakdown:

  • Gas Price: Again, using our average gas price of $3.50 per gallon, you’ll consume around 23.7 gallons of gas. This translates to approximately $82.95 in fuel costs.
  • Toll Costs: This route may have minor tolls depending on your specific path, so budget for about $10 for tolls.

Putting it all together, this alternate route costs roughly $92.95 in gas and tolls for a distance of 592 miles and a travel time of 8 hours and 30 minutes.

Conclusion

As you can see, the cost of your road trip from Des Moines to Arvada can vary depending on your chosen route. The main route, scenic options, and even alternative routes all have slightly different gas costs and travel times. In any case, being aware of current gas prices and potential tolls will help you better prepare and budget for your journey. Happy travels, and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way! Safe driving!